NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Neverware announced the availability of a free version of CloudReady, an operating system that, in partnership with Google, turns almost any existing PC or Mac into a fully functional Chromebook. Like the paid version of CloudReady, the free offering has been certified by Neverware on nearly 200 computer models and can be used on hundreds of others.

​Both versions include automatic updates and simple installation from a USB thumb drive. Since CloudReady is based on the same code that powers Chromebooks, it offers complete and secure integration with Google Apps and other Google services.

"We're very excited to be able to offer a free version of CloudReady," said Neverware CEO Jonathan Hefter. "This will allow users around the world to have free access to the simplicity and speed of Chromebooks, using the computers they already have."​The paid version of CloudReady, which offers dedicated support and integration with Google's device management console, launched in spring 2015. It has already been purchased by over 100 school districts in the United States, and CloudReady pilot programs are underway with organizations in 10 countries.

​"Our teachers are amazed that they are using the same hardware - the difference in student engagement is astounding," commentedDawn Young, Director of Educational Technology at Binghamton School district in New York. "As we move to learning environments that require increased access to technology, CloudReady has been a great way to increase our device to student ratio."

Neverware is a New York-based developer of operating systems. Its flagship product, CloudReady, enables school districts and other organizations to cost effectively transform their existing hardware into simple, secure, and fast machines that can be managed right alongside Chromebooks. Neverware recently launched a joint initiative with Google to let organizations that have never tried Chromebooks to do so, cost-free, using CloudReady. Neverware's investors include Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst, Rethink Education, and Collaborative Fund.